Rathnew make their first 2008 championship appearance on Sunday in Aughrim when they face neighbours and champions of 2003, St. Patrick's in a game that begins at 13.30 and that is followed by Baltinglass versus Newtown at 15.00. Rathnew and Pats will be both anxious to win, with Shillelagh already sitting on top of the table. The Wicklow town side have a new manager in Casey O'Brien and apart from Paul Earls and Pádraig Higgins, none of the panel featured in the county set-up. Rathnew of course boast quite a number of current county men including Glynn, Gill, Power, Stafford and Mernagh. So many of the team are household names and there are few in the side that know nothing about championship success. Baltinglass have all of the 2007 championship winning side available to the new management as well as up and coming players such as Rory Nolan, Seanie O'Brien and Peader Burke. Newtown have a number of players apart from Dean Odlum who featured at some time in Micko's set-up but Gail Dunne is likely to be short a few key players due to injuries. Tweet

Most Read Stories